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Is the theme today writers advising newer writers to only work w. very established agents? Cuz...? If you want, and have the option, to work w. specific ppl, great! Do it! Many are fabulous. If you also want to consider up-and-coming folks here are some things to consider:
Who have they worked with, interned with, or studied with in the past? Connections can last & change over time. I’ve done business w. former internship bosses, for example. Take a look at their long-tail of connections, not only those from when they began to agent.
Who are their current bosses, and what’s the culture like at that agency? If their bosses + more sr. colleagues are well established, and the culture is generous (which is admittedly hard to research) then they’re well set up for a growth trajectory. So, ask them!
Ask q’s, like: “You mentioned you’re newer to agenting, can you tell me about some of your existing editor relationships and how you’re establishing new ones?” Or “Would offer an example of how your agency helps invest in younger talent?” Analyze their answers.
Agents - would you be open to questions like those? Or, what questions do you wish more prospective clients would ask?
Also-ftr-the Blackstone acquisitions team would love to continue meeting newer agents. We do so often. Yes, it helps if it comes through an existing connection. But that’s not the only way to meet us.
